We announced earlier that we would be joined in worship this Sunday by the Burmese Community Baptist Church, an immigrant congregation in South Philly comprised mostly of ethnic Karen refugees who have been resettled in Philadelphia. That congregation had approached Old First about using our space for their worship and fellowship. As we considered the possibilities, it seemed like a natural step to introduce the two congregations to one another. We were to do it this Sunday, when we will be focusing on the UCC’s Mission 4/1 Earth.
But their pastor called this week to say they have been offered space in a church on Snyder Avenue, near where most of their folks live. No longer needing the space, the congregation wanted, instead of visiting, to observe the youth Sunday that Karen congregations in the U.S. are celebrating this Sunday. Understanding their desire to be in communion with their sister congregations (on the Sunday we are marking our participation in a larger UCC effort), Michael said we understood. He simply congratulated them on finding a church space, promised to remember them, their youth and their new home in our prayers, and trusted to God that our paths might meet again.
One never knows who the Holy Spirit might blow our way, but we’re not expecting too many guests from Burma this Sunday…
